Electrical conductivity in metals

A metal conducts electricity because it contains electrons that can move through its structure. These delocalised electrons are not confined to individual metal ions.

When a potential difference is applied across the metal, the delocalised electrons drift through it, carrying electrical charge from one part of the metal to another. This movement of charge forms an electric current.

The metal ions remain fixed in place; they do not carry the current through the metal. The mobile delocalised electrons provide the moving charged particles that allow metals to conduct electricity well.

Thermal conductivity in metals

When one part of a metal is heated, thermal energy spreads quickly to cooler parts of the metal. This makes metals good thermal conductors.

A metal contains delocalised electrons: electrons that are not fixed to individual atoms and can move through the metal structure. At the heated end, these electrons gain energy. As they move through the metal, they transfer energy through interactions with other particles, including metal ions and other electrons.

Because the delocalised electrons can move throughout the structure, they transfer energy quickly from hotter regions to cooler regions.